Facebook announces Crook County community grants
Facebook has announced the 14 recipients of the Facebook Prineville Data Center’s 2017 Local Community Action Grants.
Here’s the news release listing this year’s recipients, plus two more by the social media giant’s contractor for its third Prineville data center:
These outstanding nonprofits and schools were awarded a total of $100,000 to support short-term, high-impact projects that address critical community needs within Crook County by putting the power of technology to use for community benefit, connecting people online or off, improving education and promoting local economic development.
Since 2011, Facebook has donated $1,265,000 to Crook County schools and qualified nonprofits through its Community Action Grants program and local donations, including the support of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education.
A letter has been sent to recipients with details, including an invitation for them to attend a reception and tour at the data center on Friday, May 19 at 2 PM.
Many thanks to everyone who applied, and to our data center employee committee, which made the tough selection decisions.
2017 Facebook Prineville Data Center Local Community Action Grant Recipients
Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) – $15,000
Funding to help repair and restore three dilapidated trails in the Ochoco National Forest.
Christmas in the Pines – $5,900
Upgrades to lighting systems, plus a new LED sign to post event happenings.
Crook County 4-H Program – $7,500
Funding for cameras, video technology and a computer to help promote different project areas that the program offers, as well as highlighting their youth members.
Crook County Fairgrounds – $10,050
Funding for a new gazebo area for educational displays, charging stations and community gathering.
Crook County Foundation – Picnic in the Park – $5,000
Funding for advertising, performers, labor and more for this annual event.
Crook County High School Agricultural Science and Technology – $6,496
Funding for a virtual reality welding program, including a simulator and full welding curriculum that includes career exploration, foundational welding knowledge and safety information.
Crook County High School Class of 2017 – $2,500
Funding for the 38th annual senior drug- and alcohol-free end-of-year party for high school graduates.
Crook County Parks and Recreation Foundation (CCPRF) – $15,000
Help increase the free, active recreational opportunities in Ochoco Creek Park by expanding the skate park, renovating the tennis courts, and adding lights to the multi-use path.
Crook County School District Speech Pathology Department – $4874
Funding to update old iPads that were no longer storing and updating information properly, and or technology to help communicate with and teach kids who cannot verbalize.
Crook County School District Technology Department – $11,330
Funding for virtual reality learning technology in the classroom.
High Desert Museum – $2,500
Free memberships and $10 gas cards to Head Start families in Crook County so they can visit the museum, plus funding for two Little Wonders events and 16 story times, art activities and an animal encounters program at the Crook County Library.
Humane Society of the Ochocos (HSO) – $5,000
Funding to plant grass in the outdoor animal exercise area, improve fencing, repair the indoor kennels, and purchase storage containers and a cargo trailer.
OSU Open Campus Crook County – Juntos Program – $3,850
Funding to establish a Juntos club for Latino students and parents. The club and family nights provide ongoing support for the students and families for increased educational success.
Younity – $5,000
Funding for “Inspiration Day” at three elementary schools to educate students about bullying – both online and in real life. The Inspiration Day program addresses the issue of bullying before it can manifest itself, thus improving the health and well-being of the children in our community.
Fortis Construction Grants
Facebook is currently constructing its third Prineville data hall. As a part of that work, Fortis Construction – in conjunction with Facebook – is awarding $100,000 of improvements to the Prineville community this summer. The two public projects include:
A driveway and parking lot to provide access to the City’s newly acquired 461-acre Barnes Butte Complex, which includes the popular Iron Horse Trail, used by many people to walk dogs, hike with friends and bike. This will create a specific area designated for their hiking day. A new public water park for kids and families, to be located behind the City building. The area will also include barbeque grills and a play area.
